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Junior Specialist in Recombinant DNA Technology/Molecular Cloning-Trimmer Lab

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $49,000 at Step 1 or $52,200 at Step 2

Application Window

Open date: March 1, 2023

Most recent review date: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Friday, Jun 30, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Department of Physiology & Membrane Biology at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, seeks to hire one employee as a Junior Specialist in Dr. Trimmer’s lab. This position will undertake research employing molecular biology level techniques in projects focused on neuroscience questions.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE
The Junior Specialist has the general duties of working closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) in the planning and execution of a research projects. The junior specialist may assist in data collection, entry and quality control, study design and implementation, literature reviews and data analysis for preparation of manuscripts or conference presentations, and writing conference abstracts and manuscripts (e.g., methods and results sections, table, and
and figure generation) for a particular project.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Trimmer and work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

Successful candidates are expected to participate in three major categories of activities listed below:

1. RESEARCH (90% EFFORT)
The appointee in this full-time position must perform research employing their expertise in standard molecular biology.

Specific tasks will require proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, Gibson assembly, ligations, preparing competent cells, transformations, colony PCR, plasmid DNA purification, preparing samples for DNA sequencing, sequence analysis and preparing archival glycerol stocks as related to generation and characterization of recombinant DNA products). Related tasks will involve expression, purification and analysis of recombinant proteins expressed in E. coli and in mammalian cell lines.

This position also involves interaction with lab members to assess and address research priorities and needs across the group, and presentation/participation in group meetings. This position requires careful attention to detail, including accurate and comprehensive documentation of results in databases that are critical for subsequent experiments. This position requires significant involvement in publishable research activities, including reviewing journal articles and engaging in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results. The ideal candidate will have strong logistical skills, be able to prioritize projects, make efficient use of time and have the ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced research lab.

2. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)
The appointee will be expected to join the Society for Neuroscience or the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, attend conferences, participate and contribute to departmental and other seminars, journal clubs and other activities, as applicable.

3. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)
The appointee will be expected to mentor undergraduates in the lab, participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings and other activities, as applicable.

*This recruitment is conducted at the junior rank. The resulting hire will be at the junior rank regardless of the proposed appointee’s qualifications.


BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Immunology, Neurobiology or related discipline. Degree must be awarded before start date.
• Demonstrated research laboratory experience in basic laboratory skills related to modern recombinant DNA, cell biological and/or protein techniques.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures as well as to recognize problems to discuss and troubleshoot with other laboratory personnel when necessary.
• Excellent time management, interpersonal, organizational and communication skills
• Skills to perform accurate mathematical calculations, to practice precise laboratory techniques, to manage laboratory supplies and equipment and to keep neat and accurate records of all experimental details.
• Knowledge of and experience with laboratory safety and EH&S hazardous biological and chemical safety requirements.
• Broad knowledge and understanding of solution chemistry, pH buffers, weights and osmolarity, as well as scientific knowledge at the general level.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Prior lab experience using techniques described above.
• Ability to train and supervise student assistants to properly perform laboratory procedures and experiments.

TO APPLY:
To apply, please go to the following link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF05548 . This position will remain open until filled.

Qualified applicants should submit:
• Cover Letter specific to this position (Generic cover letters that do not summarize the applicant’s specific qualifications for this position are not acceptable)
• CV: Include details of previous research experience
• Contact information for 3 references

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Immunology, Neurobiology or related discipline. Degree must be awarded before start date.
• Demonstrated research laboratory experience in basic laboratory skills related to modern recombinant DNA, cell biological and/or protein techniques.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures as well as to recognize problems to discuss and troubleshoot with other laboratory personnel when necessary.
• Excellent time management, interpersonal, organizational and communication skills
• Skills to perform accurate mathematical calculations, to practice precise laboratory techniques, to manage laboratory supplies and equipment and to keep neat and accurate records of all experimental details.
• Knowledge of and experience with laboratory safety and EH&S hazardous biological and chemical safety requirements.
• Broad knowledge and understanding of solution chemistry, pH buffers, weights and osmolarity, as well as scientific knowledge at the general level.

Preferred qualifications

• Prior lab experience using techniques described above.
• Ability to train and supervise student assistants to properly perform laboratory procedures and experiments

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter - Generic cover letters that do not summarize the applicant’s specific qualifications for this position are not acceptable

Reference requirements
  • 3-4 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF05548

Help contact: schgarcia@ucdavis.edu

Campus Information

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals’ with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision, our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement. UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan.” There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs - With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment.(Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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Job location

Davis, Ca